Downhill skateboarder eyes world champion title

A man who only took up downhill skateboarding two years ago has said he would give it his "best shot" after being selected to compete in the extreme sport's world championships.

Phil Spencer, from Doncaster, said he aimed to tackle the slopes of Erzincan, Turkey, in the World Downhill Skateboarding Championship at the weekend.

Mr Spencer said the route, which covered 1.9 miles (3km), with an average incline of 12.5%, would take just over two minutes to complete.

"I'm just a normal guy from Doncaster. I work in a car dealership, just lead a normal life - but I like to go fast on hills," he explained.

Mr Spencer said he had been a skateboarder for nearly all his life, but he had only discovered downhill skateboarding while looking on social media two years ago.

He said that after finding out more, he thought: "I fancy a crack at that."

Mr Spencer said he now trained in the gym after work every day and practised most weekends in the Peak District.

He said he reached speeds of up to 77mph (124km/h) riding down hills on his skateboard, without any means of braking.

"It's such a buzz, it makes you feel alive," he said.

"It's the walk back up that finishes you off."

Mr Spencer added that he thought "life is too short" to be scared of trying such sports.

Getting ready for the world championships in just a few days time, he said: "I would love to be stood on the podium."

However, he said he would remain realistic about his chances.

"There are some real fast guys, so I'll just go and give it my best shot."

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